Why Do You Need 3D Animation Examples and References?
Some say that true artists never copy they steal. This joke has a grain of truth after all. It is normal for beginner artists still looking for their style and inspiration to look up to more experienced people in their field. At least, that is the principle we follow in the BandurArt team when starting to work on developing a new project’s concept art and visual style. That is why we share our thoughts on how to choose 3D animation examples for inspiration and references.
What is 3D Animation?
3D animation is the process of creating moving images using three-dimensional models. These models are created with specialized software and then animated to create the illusion of movement in movies, cartoons, video games, and other visual media. 3D animators often work in product design and advertising teams besides the entertainment field.
Are 2D and 3D animation formats different? The easiest way to explain the difference is by using examples of 3D animations and 2D animations you’ve probably seen before:
1) 2D Animation Examples and Description
Some well-known popular 2D animation studios include:
- Looney Tunes (Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd);
- Classic Disney (Snow White, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid);
- Animated TV shows (The Simpsons, Family Guy, South Park, Rick and Morty);
2D animation is a traditional method that has existed since the late 1800s. It is based on the principle that one drawing is followed by another in a slightly different pose, followed by another in a slightly different pose, and so on and so on, at 24 frames per second.
Back in the day, 2D animation images were painted onto clear plastic sheets called “cels”. Today, most 2D animators use computer software to one degree or another, with applications ranging from digitally coloring the “cels” to be photographed in the traditional method, to composing every single animation element in the computer interface. Sometimes the game developers use the traditional “cel-by-cel” technique in their visual format – Cuphead is the best example.
2) 3D Animation Examples
The most well-known studios with stunning 3D animation product examples:
- Pixar (Toy Story, Frozen, The Incredibles);
- Dreamworks (Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon);
- Feature Film CGI (the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, the robots in Transformers, pretty much everything in Avatar);
- Almost any AAA video game with #D characters and animated cutscenes;
3D animation (besides stop-motion, which can actually be either 2D or 3D animation) is completely done using software. Anything created in a 3D animation program like Blender, Maya, or 3DMax, exists in an X, Y, or Z world. That means instead of a flat drawing of a globe, 3D animation produces a sphere that can actually rotate 360 degrees. Check the development of any Blender animation examples in timelapse videos.
3D animation allows animators to create things that are impossible or extremely tedious within 2D animation. For example:
- 3D animated objects, once modeled, can be treated almost as physical objects. You can light them differently, create different shadows, and move your camera to view them from above, below, or around the other side;
- Meanwhile, because every single thing is drawn in 2D animation, “moving the camera” in 2D requires drawing objects from other angles and perspectives. This makes “moving the camera” in 3D easier because it’s simply repositioning the camera in the special software to see if you like it better;
You can read more about animation examples in 3D, purpose, and professional use on Reddit, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc. The BandurArt team also works to educate and share our experience in this blog. Feel free to read, comment, and share on your social media!
Different Types of 3D Animation with Examples for a Video Game
Now when you know what is 3D animation examples, another question you will come across at the beginning is: what are the most common types of 3D animation you can use in video games? There are not so many types to pick from.
Digital
This kind of animation, also called CGI (computer-generated imagery), is used in all forms of media. Be it the huge lightsaber fights seen in Star Wars or the big sandworm from Dune, you can find 3D computer animation examples almost everywhere. It might be as simple as adding motion graphics to improve existing footage or making completely new universes with it entirely.
Interactive
This kind of animation is about interaction that happens in real time. Mainly, interactive 3D is applied to video games where players can get involved with the virtual world. For learning purposes, it can be very useful for simulating actions such as fixing a car or doing surgery.
Virtual Reality
This is a step up from interactive 3D. In virtual reality (VR) 3D, you become completely surrounded by the experience. You can touch and handle objects that exist in a 3D space. This adds depth to your gaming or learning time, making it more intense and real. Interactive 3D gives users an engaging experience, but virtual reality takes it to another level by making things feel real in your environment. For instance, if you are playing a game with VR when someone throws something at you inside the game world – it actually feels like they threw it for real!
Stop Motion
It is a kind of animation that uses still images, where you take many pictures of objects not moving and then run them quickly one after the other to make it appear like there’s motion happening. This method requires much effort but produces a distinctive art style that can be touched and felt. The most common examples are claymation, puppet animation as well as pixilation which all fall under stop-motion techniques.
Cel Shading (Toon Shading)
This method is a mixture of 2D and 3D animation, which makes 3D items look like they were drawn by hand. You can see this type in shows like Arcane and many more for unique visual effects.
Motion Capture
This is a technique often seen in movies and video games, where the movements of actual actors or things are recorded and turned into animated scenes. It’s also known as “mocap”, which can make animations look very real.
These are only a few types of 3D animation examples you can pick as an inspiration for your project. Each type has its distinct benefits and difficulties, making them appropriate for entertainment and advertising.
If you want to learn more about different styles and formats used for 3D animation examples, the BandurArt offers it vast portfolio showing off real 3D animation as a part of our game design services.
How to Choose the Right Type of 2D or 3D Animation Examples?
When deciding between 2D and 3D animation for your video gaming, advertising, or movie project, you are to consider such factors as:
- If your project needs to build more realistic object models or natural movements, 3D animation might be more appropriate. However, if you want a simpler and stylistic appearance, 2D animation could be better;
- Creating 3D animation usually consumes more time and resources compared to 2D animation. So, if you have a limited budget and time period, it might be more cost-effective to use 2D animation;
- The production of 3D animation demo reel examples can take more time because it’s a complex process. If you have a very close deadline, 2D animation might be a faster solution;
Think about the people you are trying to reach and what kind of message you want to send with your project. 3D animation might give a more detailed experience, and this could attract some audiences. 2D animation can also work very well – particularly for showing the basic concepts and emotions.
The Most Popular 3D Animation Examples for Video Game Inspiration
1) Digital 3D Animation (CGI)
This method uses computer programs to make detailed characters and environments, which can result in either realistic or unique animations. The most common 3D animation examples:
- The Witcher 3. Known for its expansive, detailed world and realistic character animations;
- Overwatch. Features colorful, stylized animations that enhance its vibrant universe;
2) Interactive 3D Animation
Reacts to player actions and includes styles such as cartoonish, fantasy, and realistic animations. The examples include:
- Fortnite. Uses lively animations to create a fun, welcoming environment;
- Final Fantasy XV. Uses fantasy-style animations to bring its imaginative settings to life;
2) Stop Motion 3D Animation
This technique mixes conventional stop motion with 3D modeling, giving rise to an original and hands-on touch. For example:
- The Neverhood: Known for its claymation technique, offering a unique player experience;
- Armikrog: Utilizes stop-motion clay animation for a visually distinctive game;
3) Cel Shading (Toon Shading)
This technique mixes 3D modeling and flat shading methods to imitate the appearance of hand-drawn animation. These examples are:
- The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. Known for its cartoon-like cel-shaded graphics that add charm and excitement to the game;
- Borderlands series. Known for its gritty, comic book-inspired aesthetic;
For animation tasks, creators can use outsourcing. This is particularly good for complex projects or when there isn’t much time. Outsourcing can give access to skilled people, cost-effectiveness, and the chance to concentrate on the main development parts.
The future of 3D game animation will likely involve AI-based animation, combined reality experiences, procedural animation, and characters that are responsive emotionally. And the BandurArt team will gladly embrace new trends because they can help create very unique and visually stunning projects.
Frequently Asked Questions about 3D Animation Examples
Why do you need 3D animation portfolio examples?
The large studios and small indie teams are hiring new staff employees with one mindset – the best portfolios deserve an interview and employment. That is why it’s so important to have a decent portfolio with 3D animation examples. Even the smallest pet projects matter if you want to be hired by such studios as Rockstar, Ubisoft, Naughty Dog, etc. You can also share the portfolios with examples of 3D animation on professional job-hiring websites like LinkedIn, UpWork, etc.
Is it worth becoming a 3D logo animator?
Companies like HBO or Netflix widely hire specialists whose portfolios are stuffed with 3D logo animation examples. Surely, it is better to be a professional in 3D animation niches of all kinds, but 3D logo animators are in demand and on hire.
Do you need coding knowledge to create 3D animation?
Surely, it won’t be useless to learn coding basics. We recommend checking JavaScript 3D animation examples. The kind of 3D animation to use for a project is determined by many things such as what the project wants, who it’s for, and how much money and time are available. Even though going with digital 3D art and animation might seem like the obvious choice, it’s usually better to talk to an experienced animator or studio first before deciding on which programming language is most suitable.
What are the most popular 3D animation programs?
Blender, Autodesk Maya, Cinema 4D, Daz Studio, and ZBrush are among the most popular and user-friendly 3D animation software. These apps have many users in the industry for generating good quality 3D animations.
What are the types of lighting in 3D animation?
Within 3D animation, various kinds of lighting bring about different effects. The four primary types of lighting include directional light, point light, area light, and spotlight. Also, in addition to these basic techniques, the 3D animation used in advertising examples also gets the ambient light along with the emissive diffuse of specular lights. This effect is commonly used in short ads you see on YouTube or streaming platforms.
Conclusion
The importance of 3D animation is shown by how it can be used in many platforms and industries, making it a versatile tool for contemporary media. Whether your goal is to enhance user interaction or transform product-marketing strategies, this animation format merges visual attractiveness with useful functionality. As the BandurArt team continues to push boundaries in terms of innovation and creativity, the future role that 3D animation examples will play appears limitless for both creators and those who appreciate their projects in the form of video games, movies and even advertising.
